26th June 2017

It's easy to fall into a state of birding lassitude at this time of year but unexpected encounters cannot be discounted, as demonstrated by a Redshank heard over Chipstead Downs at 11:20 (GB), representing the second patch record. Other news included the Lesser Whitethroat still singing by Hither Field and a Hobby hunting at the farm, where two Little Owls were calling, a Swallow mobbed a Sparrowhawk and 12 Swifts flew over.

A female Purple Emperor made for a thrilling encounter on the path near Piddly Pond while a Small Blue was showing on the Kidney Vetch in Barn Field. Other butterflies on the wing included Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Small Heath, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Large White, Ringlet and Meadow Brown. Piddly Pond sported a Southern Hawker.

♀ Purple Emperor near Piddly Pond

Small Blue in Barn Field

Geoff Barter (photo 1) and David Campbell (photo 2)